Comcare National Work Health and Safety Awards

It’s a pleasure to be here tonight, on Ngunnawal land. I pay my respects to their elders past and present. And I extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples here this evening.

I'd also like to take a moment to acknowledge and thank Mick for your dedicated service as acting CEO for the last several months. It is a privilege to speak to you all tonight at the Comcare Awards. It is wonderful to be among people who share a deep commitment to the wellbeing of our workplaces.

Workplace health and safety is often spoken about in terms of compliance, checklists and procedures. But at its heart, it’s about people. As a former WHS trainer myself, I understand the importance of best practice in work health and safety.

When we create safe and healthy workplaces, we see better productivity, higher job satisfaction and stronger workforce participation. Prevention is the foundation of a safe and healthy work environment. By identifying and doing everything we possibly can do to eliminate hazards before they cause harm, we reduce the likelihood of incidents and protect our people.

Early intervention is critical. When issues are addressed promptly, we stop minor problems from becoming major issues. Early action also reduces costs for both workers and employers by avoiding prolonged absences and the ripple effects of lost productivity.

But unfortunately, things do go wrong. And when injury does occur – whether psychological or physical – we need to have the best possible supports in place for recovery and return to work. So that everybody has the chance to gain the economic and social benefits that come with work.

It’s important to ensure we see best practice across the whole spectrum of Comcare activities, from WHS risk management to enabling an employee’s return to work. Because workplace injuries – whether physical or mental – don't just have an impact on individuals. They have ongoing consequences for families and communities.

So tonight we are here to celebrate your success. Whether that is through injury prevention, or a safe and supportive recovery and return to work process. We are recognising your work as exemplars of innovative best practice that deliver impact.

We have to shine a light on what delivers results. It’s about learning from those who lead the way; who innovate; who challenge the status quo; and who make tangible improvements. And it’s about actively sharing those achievements, so they can be applied by workplaces and used by other regulators.

Best practice is not a set-and-forget proposition. It evolves, adapts and inspires. The work we are recognising tonight is proof that excellence in WHS is worth celebrating.

And I’m pleased to hear that this year’s awards attracted a record number of entries from teams and individuals. Including, for the first time, recognition of the important work of Health and Safety Representatives. These awards also highlight the diversity of Comcare’s unique jurisdiction, across both the public and private sectors.

The finalists include entries from Home Affairs, the AFP, Defence, Australia Post, Telstra, SBS, Western Sydney Airport and Inland Rail. There’s no doubt that Australian workplaces are becoming safer. Data from Safe Work Australia tells us that the rate of workplace fatalities has reduced by almost 25% over the past decade.

That data also shows that the Commonwealth jurisdiction is among the safest in the country. There are consistently low incidence rates for serious injury claims – even with a range of high-risk occupations and industries across the scheme. But challenges remain.

Mental health conditions are now the most prevalent type of workers’ compensation claims from Australian Government agencies. These claims now account for more than half of overall claims costs. And of course, even one workplace fatality is one too many.

So we must ensure that Comcare is put in the best possible position to continue its important work. Our Government is committed to the effective operation and sustainability of Comcare, so it can continue to fulfil its critical function as the world of work undergoes significant shifts. And nowhere is that critical function on display better than tonight, as we honour these achievements.

They are extraordinary efforts – from frontline teams to senior leaders, from public sector agencies to private sector corporations. Your endeavours have prevented harm, supported recovery, and created safer, healthier workplaces. By recognising these achievements, we do more than reward effort – we amplify it.

We give others a roadmap. We encourage collaboration. And we build a culture where safety is a shared value, not just a compliance requirement.

To all the finalists – thank you. Your work and your leadership reminds us that safety is everyone’s business – and everyone’s right. Let’s continue to learn from each other, to raise the bar, and ensure that every worker in every workplace is safe, supported, and respected.

Congratulations again, and good luck.